Front-load Washer Clothes Catcher and Front-load Dryer Clothes Catcher

ABSTRACT

Install a “shelf” on the front panel of the washer and dryer just a few inches below the door of the front-load washer and dryer. The “shelf” could be a flip-down shelf, a flip-up shelf, a pull-out shelf, or a retractable shelf. The type of “shelf” is based on the construction of the washer or dryer in relationship to the parts inside the washer and dryer. The placement of the “shelf” is also based on the amount of space between the front-load door and the bottom of the washer and dryer front panel. The material for the “shelf” could be the same metal that is used for the construction of the washer or dryer (metal), strong plastic, mesh, or other desirable material based on the type of “shelf.” The shelf (flip-down or flip-up) could be supported by a hinge similar to the hinges used for the lids on the top-load washers and dryers. The size of the “shelf” would be determined by the available space where the installation is feasible. The anticipated size of the “shelf” could be 12-15″ wide by 6-8″ deep by ¼-⅜″ thick. The “shelf” could be recessed within the front panel of the washer or dryer to provide a smooth surface to prevent an extrusion. This would also help in packing the washer or dryer for shipping since the size of the washer or dryer would not be compromised.

PROBLEM

The problem that this idea will resolve is: when removing clean wet clothes from a front-load washer many times a few clean wet clothes fall to the floor which may be dirty.

The problem that this idea will resolve is: when removing clean dry clothes from a front-load dryer many times a few clean dry clothes fall to the floor which may be dirty.

SOLUTION

When removing the clothes from the washer or dryer, the “clothes catcher” will catch the wet or dry clothes, if they fall out of the front-load door, before they hit the floor. Therefore, if the clothes do fall out of the washer, the person can retrieve the wet clothes from the “clothes catcher” and place them in the dryer. Also, if the clothes fall out of the dryer, the person can retrieve the dry clothes from the “clothes catcher” rather than having to wash them again.

DESCRIPTION

Install a shelf below the door of a front-load clothes washer and a front-load clothes dryer. The shelf can be pulled down, pulled up, or pulled out from the exterior side of the washer and dryer. The purpose of the shelf is to catch the clothes that may fall out when being removed from the washer or dryer. Catching the clean clothes will prevent the clothes from falling to the floor which may be dirty. 

1. The claim is to catch the clean wet clothes before falling to the floor when removing the clothes from a front-load clothes washer. The claim is to catch the clean dry clothes before falling to the floor when removing the clothes from a front-load clothes dryer. When removing the clothes from the washer or dryer, the “clothes catcher” will catch the wet or dry clothes, if they fall out of the front-load door, before they hit the floor. Therefore, if the clothes do fall out of the washer, the person can retrieve the wet clothes from the “clothes catcher” and place them in the dryer. Also, if the clothes fall out of the dryer, the person can retrieve the dry clothes from the “clothes catcher” rather than having to wash them again. The typical front-load and front-load dryer contain a front door to place and retrieve clothes to be washed and dried, respectively. There is not currently a washer or dryer that has any type of shelf or extrusion that catches the clothes when they fall out of the opened door. The washer and dryer contain motors and cylinder sections that hold, wash or dry the clothes when the washer or dryer is turned on. Some washers and dryers have a drawer at the base of the machine. The placement of the clothes catcher is just below the door opening of the washer and dryer. 